TxDOT Presents Road Hand Award to Tom Mullins

TYLER � An East Texas transportation advocate was surprised Monday by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Good Roads Association when the department�s coveted Road Hand Award was bestowed upon him. Tom Mullins, President/CEO of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce/Tyler Economic Development Council, was presented the prestigious Road Hand Award before his colleagues at a meeting at the chamber.

The Road Hand Award was created in 1973 by former State Highway Engineer the late Luther DeBerry. According to a TxDOT news release, DeBerry recognized that TxDOT owes a great deal to its many friends and supporters for their efforts to make the Texas highway program the best in the world. The award is the highest tribute to citizens who freely give their time to champion transportation projects in their area, according to the news release.

TxDOT says Mullins has been a true long-time friend of transportation and has earned the award through his work with TxDOT and other entities to improve transportation. He was presented the award by Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin III. �The dedicated public service and positive impact Tom has had on the area, and the region, make him deserving of joining the elite group that comprises the Road Hands of Texas,� Austin read. �It is with great honor that I announce the addition of the name of Tom Mullins to the prestigious roll of Texas Road Hands.�

TxDOT officials say Mullins�s service includes working on various transportation initiatives. Those include the I-20 East Texas Corridor Study in Smith County; the Toll 49 project including efforts to build the next extension � the Lindale Relief Route; and working with Smith County leaders and the county’s business community to solicit support for a Transportation Reinvestment Zone to help fund the Toll 49 extension.

The names of Road Hand recipients are inscribed on the Road Hand Hall of Honor plaque, which hangs prominently in the foyer of the historic Dewitt C. Greer Highway Building in Austin. Mullins joins more than 200 people who have been named Road Hands since its inception, including this year�s four other recipients from around the state.